Vander Plaats Leads Citizens United Poll for Iowa U.S. Senate Race

November 26, 2013 By Shane Vander Hart

Bob Vander Plaats, President and CEO of The FAMiLY Leader, would lead a crowded Republican field in Iowa’s U.S. Senate race if he were a candidate according to a poll released today by the Citizens United Political Victory Fund. The poll was conducted by Kellyanne Conway between November 22-23. It had a sample size of 400 like Republican primary voters and has a margin of error of +/- 4.9%.

28% of those surveyed said that they would select Vander Plaats, Sam Clovis and Joni Ernst were tied for 2nd place at 8%. Matt Whitaker garnered 7% support, Mark Jacobs had 5%, David Young had 4%. Scott Schaben and Paul Lunde had 1%. 39% of those surveyed said they were undecided.

Name recognition gives Vander Plaats the advantage in a highly contested race as he has a high profile due to his leadership role of with The FAMiLY Leader, but also through three previous gubernatorial campaigns. Only 15% of those surveyed didn’t know who Vander Plaats was. Contrast that with David Young who wasn’t known by 40% of those surveyed. 36% said they had not heard of Matt Whitaker, 37% never heard of Joni Ernst, 44% said they never heard of Sam Clovis, 47% didn’t know Mark Jacobs, 47% never heard of Scott Schaben, and 46% never heard of Paul Lunde.

Dave Barnett, communications director for The FAMiLY Leader, told Caffeinated Thoughts that Vander Plaats said “He is completely focused on The FAMiLY Leader and will not entertain discussion of a U.S. Senate run until after the first of the year.”

Vander Plaats last Saturday launched a new book entitled If 7:14 at The FAMiLY Leader’s fall banquet featuring David Barton. Through the book they are encouraging Christians throughout the United States to pray for revival every day at 7:14a and 7:14p.

Shane Vander Hart is the founder and editor-in-chief of Caffeinated Thoughts. He is also the President of 4:15 Communications, LLC, a social media & communications consulting/management firm. Prior to this Shane spent 20 years in youth ministry serving in church, parachurch, and school settings. He has also served as an interim pastor and is a sought after speaker and pulpit fill-in. Shane has been married to his wife Cheryl since 1993 and they have three kids. Shane and his family reside near Des Moines, IA.

About Shane Vander Hart

Shane Vander Hart is the founder and editor-in-chief of Caffeinated Thoughts. He is also the President of 4:15 Communications, LLC, a social media & communications consulting/management firm. Prior to this Shane spent 20 years in youth ministry serving in church, parachurch, and school settings. He has also served as an interim pastor and is a sought after speaker and pulpit fill-in. Shane has been married to his wife Cheryl since 1993 and they have three kids. Shane and his family reside near Des Moines, IA.

Comments

I agree with Bruce that the Ds would love BVP to be the Rs candidate. While I agree with many of BVP’s stances they are polarizing and have the potential to create a united front opposing his candidacy. It is not likely that the Republican Party, being as splintered as it is, would be able to combat such united opposition. If the Rs are to win they need to find their identity and energize their base much like they did nationally in 1994.

BVP should run as a Blue Dog Democrat against Braley for the Democratic primary for Iowa Senate, mix things up a little. It is unfair that Braley is running uncontested, while Republicans have no clear front runner … yet.

I agree that Branstad would have an excellent shot at winning… It’s not going to happen. I’m not as convinced that Reynolds would survive a Republican primary. She’s come a long way as a potential candidate, but still needs work.